Summary
The clemency recommendation for Emmanuel Littlejohn centers on his scheduled execution in Oklahoma for a murder committed during a robbery in 1992. Despite his conviction, there are significant doubts about his guilt, particularly regarding inconsistent prosecution claims about who fired the fatal shot, leading to a Pardon and Parole Board recommendation to commute his sentence to life without parole.
Littlejohn was convicted alongside Glenn Bethany for the murder of Kenneth Meers, a convenience store owner, but claims he did not fire the shot that killed Meers. During his trials, prosecutors presented contradictory arguments, asserting different shooters in each case. Multiple jurors have since submitted affidavits indicating they misunderstood the implications of a life sentence without parole, suggesting they may have opted for the death penalty out of concern that a life sentence could lead to potential release. The Pardon and Parole Board’s 3-2 vote in favor of clemency reflects these concerns, yet Governor Kevin Stitt has not yet made a decision, despite having previously granted clemency only once in his tenure.
5 U.S. death row inmates were executed in one week, the most in decades
Sep. 28 / L.a. Times / Highlights the recent executions and context in Oklahoma but lacks depth on Littlejohn's case. Offers a broad overview of multiple executions, diluting focus on the clemency recommendation and its implications. “ Death row inmates in five states have been put to death in the span of one week, an unusually high number of executions that defies a yearslong trend of...
Oklahoma man says he didn't commit the crime he's set to die for. Will the governor spare him?
Sep. 25 / Nbc News / Highlights the complexities of Emmanuel Littlejohn's case, including juror confusion and prosecution inconsistencies. Offers a thorough narrative that contrasts with other articles, providing depth and insight into the clemency debate. “ Emmanuel Littlejohn, 52, is set to be executed in Oklahoma on Thursday — but nobody knows whether he’s truly guilty of the crime for which he was condemned....
Five Death Row Inmates Live Out Final Hours as Executions Loom Around US
Sep. 20 / Newsweek / Highlights the complexities of Emmanuel Littlejohn's case, including the clemency recommendation and juror confusion, while providing insight into broader execution trends in the U.S. Offers a nuanced perspective on justice. “ Five in the U.S. are expected to be executed in the coming days, potentially bringing the total for the year to 18. The upcoming executions are scheduled for...